The Wyoming Department of Transportation says it’s seen an increase in sign theft in southeast Wyoming over the last few months.

WYDOT spokeswoman Andrea Staley says more signs have been reported stolen each year, with common targets including the “Welcome to Wyoming” or “Entering Wyoming” signs.

“The large ‘Welcome to Wyoming’ signs cost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 to manufacture and replace, while the smaller (ones) range from $1,500 to $2,000,” said Staley.

Staley says other signs such as stop signs, traffic signs, and road signs have continued to be stolen as well.

“Stolen stop signs cause a great risk to the traveling public,” said District 1 Traffic Supervisor Mike Ginther.

“Travelers unfamiliar with an area can blow through an intersection and involve themselves and others in a crash they normally would have stopped or yielded to,” Ginther added.

Stealing and Defacing Signs is Illegal

Staley says not only can stolen signs lead to crashes and pose dangerous conditions to travelers, but stealing them is illegal, and if you’re caught, you could potentially face up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

She says defacing signs with stickers or markings also carries a fine if caught.

“The cost to replace signs and posts, as well as clean defaced and damaged signs, comes out of the state highway maintenance budget, which is also used to clear snow, repair potholes, and maintain the highways,” said Staley.

To inform of a missing or stolen sign, Staley asks that you call the Laramie District Office at 307-745-2127.